Therapist Emotions and Patient Alliance in Personality Disorder Treatment
Author Information
Author(s): Breivik Øvstebø Randi, Pedersen Geir, Wilberg Theresa, Røssberg Jan Ivar, Johnsen Dahl Hanne-Sofie, Kvarstein Elfrida Hartveit
Primary Institution: Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
Hypothesis
Is alliance in an early stage of therapy a predictor of therapist countertransference development during treatment?
Conclusion
The study shows significant associations between negative countertransference and lower patient-rated alliance in the early phase of therapy, with increasingly negative countertransference in treatments that were not completed.
Supporting Evidence
- Lower early alliance predicted lower levels of confident and idealized countertransference.
- Patients who did not complete treatment showed increasing negative countertransference.
- High early alliance was associated with better therapist emotional responses.
Takeaway
This study looks at how therapists' feelings affect their work with patients who have personality disorders, showing that a good relationship with the patient helps the therapist feel better.
Methodology
A longitudinal observational study assessing countertransference and therapeutic alliance in patients treated for personality disorders.
Potential Biases
Potential underreporting of negative feelings by both therapists and patients.
Limitations
Missing assessments due to varying treatment durations and the observational nature of the study.
Participant Demographics
Mean age of patients was 33 years, 77% were female, and 75% had one or more personality disorders.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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